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Is Martin Luther King, Jr. Or Malcolm X More Influential?

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Is Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X more influential?
Olivia Stendal
3rd Block
Mr. Zetzman
May 4th, 2023
Introduction and Thesis
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” (I Have a Dream). These famous words from Martin Luther King Jr. stated his belief that all men are created equal and deserve nothing less than equality. Similar to King’s belief, Malcom X expressed, “Treat them [enemies] like that and fight them, and you’ll get your freedom; and after you get your freedom, your enemy will respect you.” (Breitman). While King and X individually took a stand against discrimination and pushed for equal …show more content…

On February 21, 1965, three members of the Nation of Islam assassinated Malcolm X in a ballroom while he was addressing the Organization of Afro-American Unity. They were later charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. While his life was cut short, many believe that Malcolm X's influence lives on as “his philosophy laid the groundwork for later black pride movements, including the Black Panther Party” (People and …show more content…

One reason that people believe in Malcolm X’s greater leadership is his opposition to non-violent strategies as a way to make a change. Malcolm X pushed his fellow Black Americans to “protect themselves against white aggression by any means necessary” (Malcolm X). While having a strong public following that advocated self-defense, this leader demanded change in ways different from Martin Luther King. The audience in support of Malcolm X believed aggression was the best way to achieve a goal and praised that approach to end discrimination. While these two figures had different views and attitudes towards protest strategies, Martin Luther King had a more positive and peaceful influence on society which helped make it a better and welcoming place for all while keeping a more humane approach. Secondly, people also believe that Malcolm X had a greater influence on society due to his difficult early life and his determination. Compared to MLK, Malcolm X grew up in an unstable, lower class family as he was in and out of foster care. Without having true role models in his life, it supports the claim that Malcolm X worked harder for what he got and had greater accomplishments in his life. (Social Justice Activists). To counter argue, MLK always had dreams for a better future for all, and was able to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as

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